22 November

Bible In 365 Days

Acts 24-26

Acts 24

Tertullus, who appeared here, was a Roman barrister, it being necessary for the Jews to employ such in presenting their cases before a Roman tribunal. The charges he made were palpably false. His description of Paul as a "pestilent fellow" had no justification whatever. The chief charge was that he was "a mover of insurrections." The baselessness of this charge also is apparent, but the subtlety of it is clear. The only charge which could be substantiated was that Paul was "a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes."

Paul's defense is a splendid illustration of the strength and dignity of one who is conscious that he has nothing to hide. His address to Felix was courteous, courageous, and clear. With quiet scorn he denied the charges preferred against him except the one, for he freely confessed that he was "of the Way, which," and there is an evident touch of irony in his words, "they call a sect."

The sequel is full of interest. The decision of Felix was favorable to Paul, who was committed to an indulgent imprisonment, and so protected from his enemies. Felix's subsequent action was prompted by mixed motives, and resulted in his arraignment of Paul before himself and Drusilla, who was the daughter of Herod, who had slain James and was herself a wanton. Paul's reasoning here was characterized by such faithfulness and force as to produce terror in the mind of Felix. Paul remained for two years at Caesarea. Then Felix being recalled he left Paul in bonds.

Acts 25

The Jews besought Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem for trial. This, however, he refused to do. When arraigned before him, Paul again made use of his rights as a Roman citizen, and definitely appealed to Caesar.

In order to send him to Rome it was necessary that Festus should have a definite charge to prefer against Paul, and it was in order to secure this that he took advantage of the visit of Agrippa to have Paul brought before him. The occasion was made a special one, and the gathering was an impressive one. The leaders attended in full state, surrounded by the military authorities, and all the light and leading of the city. Agrippa was well known for his learning, and for an aesthetic side to his nature. On the other hand, Bernice, who was with him at the time, was his sister, with whom, even at the moment, he was living in incestuous relationship. Paul was called on to tell his story in order that Festus might base a report on it to Rome.

Acts 26

Agrippa intimated to Paul that he might speak, and the apostle spent a moment in introductory words, and then uttered his great apologia, in which a twofold purpose is evident, first, his own defense, and, second, the declaration of the way of salvation. In defending himself he ignored the charges against him, but explained the change of front in his own career. Thus he dealt with the underlying reason which had prompted his enemies' opposition. He gave the story of his conversion, his commission, his consecration. Throughout it is evident that he was making plain the way of life.

Festus, a Gentile, saw nothing in Paul's discourse save evidences of madness. While Paul was answering Festus, he addressed himself principally to Agrippa, and evidently attempted to constrain him to honesty on the basis of intellectual conviction. Agrippa's answer, accurately translated in the Revision, "with but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian," was a contemptuous sneer. Paul's rejoinder was at once dignified and tender. He calmly assumed the authority of his own position, even though he was a prisoner wearing a chain; and then in exquisite tenderness wishing that Agrippa might be such as he was, he added the words, "except these bonds."